(Part 3 of a 4-part Series)
Four common barriers to attaining the lifestyle you desire are time, tools, training, and temperament. Each could be a barrier depending on your mindset or preparation. Of course, these are not the only barriers you and others experience or that could cause disappointment and frustration when it comes to attaining your goals. Since I previously shared information about both time and tools as barriers, let’s turn our attention to training which is part 3 of this 4-part series. We will discuss why the lack of training and on-going education is a barrier as well as what can be done so it will not become or remain an obstacle for you.
When I speak of training, I am looking through the lens of education, learning, and instruction with the intent to execute. Everyone should invest in training and skill acquisition as part of their continual personal education and career advancement.
First, let’s start with creating a plan for self-development. Determine the best way to keep your plan before you as a daily ritual. Whether it means carrying a printed copy, utilizing apps on your computer, laptop and phone, or posting it on a wall in your home, the idea is to see, review, and follow it every day. Embracing education and training can increase your opportunities because it opens your mind to new prospects. Training will allow you to stay relevant and position you to pursue new horizons for your personal and professional growth.
In today’s environment where change is constant and a part of our cultural DNA, no one can afford to be closed-minded. Wishing and longing for the past may create fond memories when it comes to reminiscing about family traditions, however it is not effective as a strategy for success.
Although, most realize that change cannot be avoided and is a motivating force of life, it does not mean we are always excited about it. To be appropriately prepared to meet new challenges, you must have the proper mindset along with a plan of activation that includes learning, instruction, and training. New tools and additional ideas that previously were not at your disposal become available when you incorporate the power of training.
We all know people who hate when things change or feel nervous when placed in situations of uncertainty. Sometimes, this may even be you. The best way to confront these situations is to be trained and prepared when faced with new challenges. This will allow you to see yourself as a problem-solver. You can be confident in your problem-solving skills because you are on a never-ending journey of self-education and training. You should be up to date with industry standards, busines skills and proficiencies needed for entrepreneurs, if you own a business.
Even if you have one or more degrees, it is probably no longer sufficient as a “one-and-done”. In other words, it is most likely not adequate to get you through life successfully or may not be enough to help you reach your professional goals if your growth doesn’t continue. The world is evolving rapidly, so the only way to stay informed is to be diligent about expanding your learning and training constantly.
How you continue your self-education and training depends on your personal preference. Today, fortunately, there are many ways to get training. There are things you can do to make sure learning, education and training are assets and not barriers in your advancement.
Engage in new activities to expand your skills. These new activities should include your personal life, career, or business. Many times, people go through life doing things the same way, day in and day out. The best way to ensure that you are not limiting yourself to the same activities each day is to take incremental steps toward improvement – and to be intentional about it. Don’t approach new activities with the idea of eating the whole elephant in one meal, rather you should nibble and take small bites. By the way, who eats an elephant – okay, I digressed? The point is, if you are overly eager, unrealistic, or too ambitious, you will not take action. Instead, you will quickly find yourself slipping, making excuses, and not putting forth the efforts needed to stretch and try new things. So be wise in your choices but take the leap.
Of course, at first, it may not be comfortable to start or participate in a new activity, but you should make a true commitment to engage in new activities outside of your comfort zone. I know it may seem obvious; however, I must say it again, your new activity should really challenge you. It should make you a little uncomfortable in a positive way, but it must be attainable. Remember, if the new activity is overly aggressive, you will revert to what is familiar, start to rationalize and make excuses why now is not the right time. I encourage you to see your training as a nonnegotiable investment in your future.
Enroll in an online self-improvement course, join a progressive social network, or volunteer to speak at a community event. Reach outside your normal circle of friends and colleagues to have dinner. Spend time helping others in need and if you are already serving others, select a different category where you can give and serve. What a great opportunity to learn about others and to discover new things about yourself while gaining new life skills.
Establish a scheduled reading routine. Reading a good book can add immense value to your life. I liken it to inviting learning, training, and skill building as guests to the dinner table each evening. Reading has the ability to take you to a new level of curiosity and mental imagination. It is one of the best investments in self-education. There are many magazines and articles in print and online that are free to read. Audiobooks are another great resource for your training, especially if your time is limited and you can’t read, regularly. Audiobooks can help improve your listening skills, pique your interest in new subjects, and create a desire to try new things. Therefore, if your current schedule will not permit you to immediately start reading, add audiobooks to enrich your connection to a new leaning experience. I am convinced that you will find it gratifying if you commit to reading books and listening to audiobooks as tools to augment your learning and training. I have found that utilizing both have added overwhelming value to my life.
Enlist the services of a mentor. Finding a mentor should be part of your learning and training enhancement plan.Look for people who are successful in your area of interest. It might be someone you work with, someone that you look up to or a new acquaintance. Investing time to identify and secure a mentor should be a serious undertaking. Dedicate the same level of scrutiny and energy you would when selecting a college. The potential value add to your growth could prove to be immeasurable. The right mentor can assist you in helping to discover your true talents and areas that need further development. They will provide practical advice, encouragement, and support. You will be able to learn from their experiences and become more empowered to make wise decisions. The results could be worth your weight in gold. If utilized appropriately, your mentor can be a major part of your continuing education.
I believe if you take steps to include training as part of your success model it will become an asset to accomplishing your dreams and goals in life. Education, training, and knowledge are all tenuous. If you don’t use your limbs, they become atrophy. The same happens with training – if you don’t use it, you lose it. If you don’t cultivate it, it will become diminished or obsolete. Let’s move forward by adopting training as a resource and no longer having it as a barrier but viewing it as an advantage. Finally, training must be implemented. Execution of knowledge or learned skills, and training is one of the keys to your success.
